Austin Voters May Decide on Changes to Election Rules, City Charter in November

Austin Voters May Decide on Changes to Election Rules, City Charter in November

This fall, the residents of Austin may get an opportunity to voice their opinions on a few alterations to the local election procedures and Austin’s governing document, popularly known as the City Charter.

After months of debates and public feedback, Austin’s 2024 Charter Review Commission proposed nine potential modifications to the resident petition process to the City Council on April 16. These proposals included adjustments to how many signatures are required to get measures on the ballot.

Background Details

In 2012, Austin voters lowered the signature threshold for initiative petitions, referendums, and charter amendments to 5% of the city’s eligible voters or 20,000 voters, whichever is smaller. Currently, the 20,000-signature requirement applies. This figure is significantly lower compared to other large Texan cities.

Residents can petition the city to make policy changes, remove officials, and more. They can bring four types of petitions to the City Council: initiatives to enact specific policies, referendums to retract ordinances adopted by City Council, recalls to remove the mayor or other council members, and charter amendments to alter the City Charter document.

Proposed Changes

The 11-member charter review commission shared nine potential changes to the petition process with the City Council. These include:

• Cycling through the alphabet when labeling propositions to minimize voter confusion.
• Requiring signatures from at least 3.5% of eligible voters to place initiative and referendum petitions on the ballot.
• Introducing a “notice of intent” that petitioners must file before submitting a petition to improve transparency.
• Moving elections on initiatives and charter amendments to municipal general elections, which are held in November of even-numbered years to cater to higher voter turnout.
• Establishing that the proposition with the highest number of votes is implemented if voters approve two conflicting propositions during the same election.
• Aligning new campaign contribution limits for recall petitions with existing campaign finance standards for council and mayoral candidates.
• Increasing the threshold for City Council recall petitions from 10% to 15% of the council member’s constituency.
• Requiring City Council approval for the appointment and removal of the city attorney.
• Designating a specific assistant city attorney to work directly with City Council on policy matters.

In addition to these, city staff also proposed multiple changes to Austin’s charter document. Some of these aim to align the charter language with state law, such as adjustments to property annexation rules and the city’s employee retirement system guidelines.

What’s Next?

In early May, council members will discuss which proposals should be put on the ballot. According to city documents, the City Council has until Aug. 19 to order that items be added to the November ballot.

These decisions could lead to impactful changes in the city’s election procedures, giving the residents of Austin a vital role in shaping their city’s future in the democratic process.